Penix Jr. Sits Out Preseason Finale as Falcons Focus on Development

Michael Penix Jr. did not participate in the Atlanta Falcons' second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens and is also set to miss the final preseason matchup. Head coach Raheem Morris expressed confidence in Penix's performance from the previous game, stating that he demonstrated enough skill to forgo further preseason play. The Falcons narrowly lost to the Ravens, 13-12, but Morris emphasized the importance of evaluating Penix's capabilities in practice rather than in additional game situations. In his first preseason outing against the Miami Dolphins, Penix completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards, contributing to the Falcons' 10 points over five drives. His performance included a touchdown drive that began after an interception by Miami's quarterback, showcasing his ability to capitalize on opportunities. Following the game, Penix reflected positively on his performance, acknowledging areas for improvement while expressing satisfaction with the points scored. Penix, who was selected as the eighth overall pick in the April draft, previously played for Indiana before transferring to Washington, where he led the Huskies to the College Football Playoff title game. Despite not participating in any preseason games, reports indicate that starting quarterback Kirk Cousins remains on track to lead the team in their season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Morris reiterated the team's strategy to assess Penix's readiness through practice, allowing him to experience game-like scenarios without the risk of injury. The Falcons are focused on developing Penix's skills as they prepare for the upcoming season.